In a historic move, India became the first team in 60 years to win the toss and bowl first in a Test match at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium. Captain Rohit Sharma won the toss on September 27 and opted to field against Bangladesh, a decision influenced by overcast conditions and a green pitch. The last time a team chose to bowl first at this venue was in 1964, led by Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. India managed to draw that match against England after being made to follow on.
This Test is part of a series where the norms of Indian cricket are being broken. Earlier, Bangladesh had become the first team in 42 years to win the toss and bowl at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. India, leading 1-0 after a comprehensive 281-run win in Chennai, aims for a clean sweep in this second Test.
India’s Record at Kanpur:
- Played: 24
- Won: 7
- Lost: 3
- Drawn: 13
India retained their playing XI from the first Test, favoring a three-man pace attack considering the conditions. Bangladesh made two changes, opting for three spinners by bringing in Taijul Islam and adding Khaled Ahmed to their pace lineup.
Playing XI:
- India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
- Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (WK), Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed.
